Nursing Elites

1. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia and how should it be managed?

• A. Muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias; administer calcium gluconate
• B. Confusion and bradycardia; administer insulin and glucose
• C. Fatigue and irregular heart rate; administer diuretics
• D. Nausea and vomiting; administer sodium bicarbonate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias, making choice A correct. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac effects, and calcium gluconate is used to stabilize the heart by antagonizing the effects of potassium. Choices B, C, and D describe symptoms and interventions that are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. Confusion and bradycardia are not common in hyperkalemia, and insulin and glucose are used in hyperkalemia only under specific circumstances. Fatigue and irregular heart rate are vague symptoms, and diuretics are not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia. Nausea and vomiting are nonspecific symptoms and sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for the management of hyperkalemia.

2. A client who is 1 day postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty should be instructed to do which of the following?

• A. Avoid using a walker while walking.
• B. Keep the hip flexed at 90° while sitting.
• C. Place a pillow between your legs when turning.
• D. Cross your legs at the ankles when sitting.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the legs is essential post-total hip arthroplasty to prevent adduction of the hip joint, reducing the risk of dislocation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Using a walker while walking is encouraged for support and stability. Keeping the hip flexed at 90° while sitting can increase the risk of hip dislocation. Crossing legs at the ankles when sitting may also lead to hip dislocation.

3. A nurse is administering lorazepam to a client who is scheduled for surgery within 1 hr. Which of the following actions should the nurse take after administering the medication?

• A. Keep the client awake
• B. Instruct the client not to get out of bed
• C. Encourage the client to drink fluids
• D. Encourage early ambulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client not to get out of bed. Lorazepam is a sedative that can cause drowsiness and impair coordination. By instructing the client not to get out of bed, the nurse helps prevent falls or injuries that could occur due to the medication's sedative effects. Choice A is incorrect as keeping the client awake may not be necessary and could lead to unnecessary discomfort. Choice C is incorrect as encouraging the client to drink fluids is not directly related to the administration of lorazepam. Choice D is incorrect as early ambulation is not safe immediately after administering a sedative medication.

4. A client is being taught by a nurse how to ascend stairs while using crutches. Which of the following actions should the nurse instruct the client to take first?

• A. Move both crutches up first
• B. Step up with the unaffected leg first
• C. Lean forward on the crutches before stepping up
• D. Hold onto the handrail for support

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to step up with the unaffected leg first. This action is crucial as it ensures proper balance and safety when ascending stairs with crutches. By stepping up with the unaffected leg first, the client can maintain stability and reduce the risk of falls. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Moving both crutches up first (Choice A) may lead to imbalance and difficulty in weight distribution. Leaning forward on the crutches before stepping up (Choice C) can compromise the client's stability and increase the risk of falling. While holding onto the handrail for support (Choice D) is important, stepping up with the unaffected leg first takes precedence to establish a secure and safe movement up the stairs.

5. What is the priority for the nurse when caring for a patient with a chest tube?

• A. Ensure tube patency and observe for air leaks
• B. Maintain sterile technique during dressing changes
• C. Monitor drainage and record output
• D. Observe for signs of infection and monitor for subcutaneous emphysema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority for the nurse when caring for a patient with a chest tube is to ensure tube patency and observe for air leaks. This is essential to prevent complications such as pneumothorax and ensure the patient's lung function. While maintaining sterile technique during dressing changes, monitoring drainage, recording output, and observing for signs of infection and subcutaneous emphysema are also important, ensuring tube patency takes precedence as it directly impacts the patient's respiratory status and overall safety.

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